Grass pollen season is in full swing across the midlands, and if your eyes are streaming on dry breezy days, you’re one of the roughly one in four Irish adults dealing with hay fever. The good news: nearly everyone can get their symptoms under control with the right combination from the pharmacy — no prescription needed.
Know your enemy: the Irish pollen calendar
In Ireland, tree pollen peaks March–May, grass pollen — the big one, affecting 9 in 10 sufferers — peaks May to July, and weed pollens linger into September. Symptoms worse in early summer? That’s grass.
The three-step approach that works
1. A daily non-drowsy antihistamine
Modern once-a-day antihistamines like cetirizine (Cetrine) or fexofenadine (Telfast) control sneezing, itching and runny nose without the sleepiness of older remedies. Take it every morning through the season — not just on bad days.
2. A steroid nasal spray for congestion
If your nose is blocked rather than just runny, an anti-inflammatory nasal spray (like beclometasone or Nasacort) is the most effective single treatment there is — but it takes a few days to build up, so start early and use it daily.
3. Eye drops for the itch
Antihistamine eye drops calm itchy, watery eyes within minutes — worth keeping in your bag through June and July.
Pharmacist tips that make a real difference
- Check the pollen forecast — dry, breezy mornings and evenings are worst
- Shower and change clothes after time outdoors; pollen clings to hair and fabric
- A smear of petroleum jelly around the nostrils traps pollen before it gets in
- Keep car windows up and bedroom windows closed on high-count days
- Sunglasses genuinely help — the bigger the better
When to talk to us
If you’re using treatment daily and still suffering, don’t just put up with it — combinations matter, and a two-minute chat at the counter (or on WhatsApp) usually finds a better mix. Browse our allergy relief range or call in.
This article is general information, not a substitute for personal medical advice. Talk to our pharmacists at Laois Pharmacy, 1 Dunamaise House, Portlaoise (057 86 61999) or message us on WhatsApp (085 840 7548) — we are always happy to help.
